Constance Hobbs Art & Photography: January 2010

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

The Center for fine Art Photography

My image above "Cowboy" was selected for exhibition at The Center for Fine Art Photography in Colorado. The exhibiton is curated by Rich Clarkson. A renowned American photographer, Mr. Clarkson was named by American Photo magazine as one of the 50 most influential individuals in American photography. I am pleased and proud to be exhibiting alongside the other photographers chosen for this exhibit. The exhibition runs from March 19th to April 17th. Hope to see you there.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Winter Thoughts

"Like the leaves that fall from a tree, all things are impermanent, nothing endures; there is always change and death. Have you ever noticed a tree naked against the sky, how beautiful it is? All its branches are outlined, and in its nakedness there is a poem, there is a song. Every leaf is gone and it is waiting for the spring. When the spring comes it again fills the tree with the music of many leaves, which in due season fall and are blown away; and that is the way of life."

J. Krishnamurti

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

The French Alps

I drove to Ikea today. Its located in a town called Aubonne about 20 to 30 minutes outside of Geneva. Its a beautiful ride along the lake or you can take the auto route which is faster. The view across the lake is to the French Alps and it is breath taking. I only had my point and shoot camera with me so these two photos don't really capture the sheer majesty of the Alps. Imagine the people who have this view on a daily basis. It's one of the most spectacular views in the whole world.

Helping Haiti

Haiti is devastated and some wonderful photographers have gotten together to try and raise as much money as possible in order to help. Please buy a print and find out more info here.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Wonderful Switzerland

I took a ride along the Lake here in Geneva to a lovely town called Crissier. Absolutely charming village. Almost as charming as my daughter whose birthday it is today. Happy Birthday Alexandra.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

How We See

What is it that white flowers remind you of? Is it gentility, fragility, purity, femininity, vulnerability, beauty, or freshness? We all have associations with things in our environment. The interesting thing is that we have different associations. I find that fascinating. Like this flower above, if I asked 10 people what it made them think of, or what was their emotional response, I'm sure I would get 10 different reactions. And so it goes with art and photography. People view our work differently. Haven't you noticed that the art pieces you like are not the same pieces that get the biggest response from others? Curious, isn't it?

I am continually stunned by the power and strength of our early experiences on the rest of our lives. I feel that's what comes into play frequently when viewing art. No matter how professional one is, for example a curator, or how open minded, we all have preferences. These preferences are formed early and altered little as life marches on. Buddhists say, if we live a conscious life, we can be free of those influences. That's wonderful, but if you are like me I often go on auto pilot which is when these influences frequently rear their head. Now, some people are comfy with their preferences, others wish they could have a lobotomy, and some try or are successful at being open minded and uninfluenced. Oh yes, and then there are those that are completely ignorant that such a thing exists.

My sister always said "there's a Jack for every Jill". Now I know this seems unrelated, but I don't think it is. In the same vain there is a market for every artist. Let's face it. Some people will love your work, others will be neutral and still others will hate it. It's important to remember that these folks, as well as art professionals, have their preferences and don't view or choose work completely freely. As an artist there are so many rejections and hills to climb its important to keep this in mind. My father used to say "there's room for everybody in life". This includes artists too! Good luck to everyone for this new year. I wish everyone success, however you define it.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Winter Blues

It's that time of year when the holidays are over, the kids are back at school, and winter has settled in. When fortunate souls are able to get away for sun and fun in the tropics. I understand why so many of us become depressed and disillusioned as we battle against the cold. Its the lack of light, for those of us living in the northern hemisphere, and the parties are over from the holidays. Bummer.

It's time to face all those new year resolutions we've made. Will we manage to keep our commitments to ourselves? Why does this seem so hard? Is it because we have become accustomed to our routines and human beings resist change? We like to stay at our present comfort level. Play it safe. We must be willing to feel uncomfortable for a time in order for things to change. If not, all will remain the same. If we want things to be different, we have to be different. Start with your head and your thoughts. What are you focusing on everyday? What is the running mantra or recurring theme played over and over. Start there, become aware of your thoughts, you might be surprised what you'll find.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Kaleidoscope Quilt

I know what your thinking. It can't possibly be a photograph, but it is. I call these digital flips. They are part of my kaleidoscope series. This image started with the photograph of a leaf. Then I turned it into a cyanotype and photoshoped the rest. I love quilts and quilting. I've made quite a few in my time. I also used quilting as a technique in my clothing design.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

The Life Force

There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.

~ Martha Graham ~

Saturday, January 2, 2010

The End of 2009

The year 2009 is now down the drain, over, finished, completed, perhaps happily deleted for some of us. What a year! Barack Obama was elected President of the United States, Michael Jackson died, there was swine flu hysteria, the recession from hell, and Pepsi changed it's logo, just to name a few. So here we are. At the cross roads of a new year. 2010 Twenty ten! Wow, what a number! This is the time of year when most people take stock of where they have been and where they want to go. Or who they are and who they'd like to be. Self improvement. People courageously go forward with a list of New Year resolutions that statistically are dropped within the first 3 months of the new year. I don't mean to be a scrooge but perhaps there is a better way.

I think we all make choices and decisions for reasons either conscious or unconscious. We are either aware or ignorant of our motives. It's Okay no matter what. We do the best we can. We are human and mistakes are inherent in the animal. To get down on ourselves because we aren't where we want to be, especially creatively, I don't feel is productive. Some people feel that they can not get things accomplished if they are not hard on themselves. I know this route because I have traveled it myself. I have found I create a much more pleasant atmosphere for myself and my family when I am kind to me. I congratulate myself for things well done and note the things I consider possibly problematic. I, like many other courageous souls will take stock, adjust my goals and go forward by just showing up with a happy attitude for my job, my work, my life. So much of accomplishing anything in life is practice and just plain sticking to it. Work it through. Artists, writers, dancers etc, all creative people sometimes have to just show up and work it through. So whether you are just where you want to be creatively or struggling remember, you are not alone and when you're down you can only go up.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to everyone. I'm a little under the weather at present and not feeling well enough to post my thoughts on the years end. I'll be up and running soon. Stay in touch.

Constance Hobbs Art & Photography